ah , inter. [OFr a  or ah .] (webplay: pity). Exclamatory particle with the following nuances: A. Nostalgic; wishful; lamenting; entreating; appealing [sound accompanying a sigh.]  B. Irony; sarcasm; mockery; [similar to “aha” and “ah, but.”]  C. Surprise; wonder; [equivalent of “Oh!” and “O!”]  D. Endearing; admiring; adoring.  E. Sympathy.  Emily Dickinson Lexicon